Helping Provide Free Swim Lessons For Kids in Inglewood

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (May 20, 2015) – As summer heats up, two non-profit organizations have aligned their resources to offer free swim lessons for kids in Inglewood. Citing government data, the organizations are focused on minority children who are at most risk for drowning.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, African-American children between the ages of 5 and 14 are three times more likely to drown than Caucasian children of the same age range. Meanwhile, research by USA Swimming indicates that up to 70 percent of African-American and Hispanic children cannot swim.

“One with the Water has taught thousands of children, adults, and those with disabilities or special needs how to swim, and we are honored to provide swim lessons for kids in Inglewood,” says Kenneth Rippetoe, founder and certified multi-level swim coach.

But teaching minority children to swim is not the only goal. The organizations hope to foster in many of their students a long-term commitment to the sport of swimming. “Through our Swimmer Scholar program launching at Inglewood High School next fall, Trident Swim Foundation will offer swimming as a means to build character and to help improve young people’s future prospects,” mentioned Kristin Gary, co-founder.

On the starting blocks to assist with this endeavor, the Coast 2 Coast Swim Challenge and Trident provided grants to assist with expenses associated with the free swimming lessons. Coach Kenneth Rippetoe added, “Inglewood High School has been through some major challenges over the last several decades. We hope getting the kids into swimming will at least distract them from the conditions.” ‘Trash piles and rats are typical at Inglewood High, according to an 11th grader, who also said there is a major cockroach infestation.’

About One with the Water:

One with the Water® offers competitive swim training and year-round swim lessons for kids, children and adults with a wide variety of skill levels, from total beginner to competitive athlete. In addition to their national-level competitive swimming skills, One with the Water‘s instructors are trained to work with children and adults diagnosed with autism, Asperger’s, ADD, ADHD, sensory integration, anxiety, Down and CHARGE syndrome, auditory processing disorders and dyslexia, and other mental and physical conditions. Founder and Head Coach Kenneth Rippetoe is certified by the American Swimming Coach Association Disability Level 3.

About Trident Swim Foundation:

Established in 2007, Trident Swim Foundation seeks to build self-confidence, teamwork and discipline through its Swimmer Scholar program in which students are required to attend daily competitive swim practice and teacher-mentored study hall. With the goal of supporting kids who might not otherwise have access to competitive swimming, Trident has a proven track record of success in New York City where it has helped many “Swimmer Scholars” to gain admission to some of the finest universities and obtain employment at the country’s leading firms and corporations.

Kenny is a baby Bottlenose dolphin, of the genus Tursiops, one of the most common and well-known members of the family Delphinidae, the family of oceanic dolphin. He is very playful and friendly and loves to frequently leap above the water surface. Kenny plays with water toys, enjoys making bubble rings, and plays well with other dolphins or other animals.